Tag: UNESCO

Every December since 2008, members of UNESCO’s cultural committee meet to decide which of the world’s cultural traditions will be honored for the previous year.
﻿This year, 31 traditions were recognized by UNESCO, and 14 of them are in MIR’s destinations. Read More

Many people enjoy traveling the world to search for haunted hangouts and bewitching attractions. These incredible destinations counterpoint their scare factors with surprising history lessons and unique insights into the lesser-known facets of the local culture.
From a cathedral covered in bones, to a mass of mysterious military bunkers, here are some of our favorite spooky places, perfect for Halloween and ready for you to explore on your next trip. Read More

Out in the forbidding expanse of the Altai Mountains where Mongolia converges with Russia, China, and Kazakhstan, a dwindling number of Kazakh nomads carry on a 6,000-year-old tradition — hunting with magnificent golden eagles, one of the world’s largest predatory birds.
Recently, CBS’ 60 Minutes aired a new episode that took viewers on a journey into the Mongolian Altai to meet with a group of these famed eagle hunters. Read on for link to the full video of the episode, as well as a special online-only segment of a hunt from an eagle’s perspective on the 60 Minutes’ website. Read More

Each July, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meets to consider new sites to add to its list of the world’s most awe-inspiring places. The sites are carefully vetted based on a strict set of criteria determining their cultural or natural significance and “outstanding universal value” to humanity. Some have been on the UNESCO Tentative List for years, awaiting their turn to shine.
In 2018, the committee added 19 new sites and significantly expanded an older one. Five of these sites are found in MIR’s destinations. Read More

Thanks to award-winning food, wine, and travel writer and photographer Carla Capalbo, foodies and travel buffs alike can discover the extraordinary gastronomic traditions of the little-known country of Georgia with her latest cooking compendium, Tasting Georgia: A Food and Wine Journey in the Caucasus.
We caught up with Carla recently to find out more about her new book and about the intriguing culinary and cultural traditions of gorgeous Georgia. Read More

Remarkable Russia, Poland, and the fascinating countries of Central Europe are wonderful destinations to visit during the height of summer, when sun-drenched climes, al fresco dining, and fantastic festivals are in full swing. But those willing to brave the chill and travel here in the winter months are often rewarded with magnificent marvels and unconventional experiences all their own.
Make this the year you celebrate an unconventional and adventurous winter holiday with MIR. With more than 30 years of specialty travel experience, we know how to do winter right in Russia, Poland, Central Europe, and beyond.
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With such astounding architectural brilliance, it’s no wonder that Samarkand still holds near mythical status for modern-day travelers.
But while glittering mosques and madrassahs are important to understanding the rich history and artistic heritage of this stunning Silk Road city, your travel experiences in Samarkand will be much more rewarding and memorable when you veer a little off the beaten tourist track and dive right into the ways of everyday local life.
Abdu Samadov, one of our expert tour managers, shares his favorite ways to explore the legendary UNESCO-listed oasis of Samarkand like a local. Read More

There's no place is more enchanting during this time of the year than Russia and no one loves the holidays more than the Russians do: with parties, presents and champagne toasts, it’s the moment everyone’s waited for the whole year long, and you’re invited to share in the festivities. Read More

Kiev, the capital of Ukraine and the mother city of all Eastern Slavic peoples, is one of Europe's most underrated travel gems. Despite decades of struggle from wars, loss, and political turmoil, Kiev has reemerged as an exciting, eclectic cityscape, displaying a proudly independent culture that feels entirely distinct from its post-Soviet counterparts.
Here are some of our favorite ways to explore Ukraine's exciting and engaging cultural capital. Read More

We've gathered 10 romantic off-the-radar destinations where you and your sweetheart can experience an unforgettable honeymoon or couple's getaway — no matter what your style and personal preferences are. Read More

Traveler Reviews

The story of a long drive in a 1928 Plymouth across Japan, China, Russia and Europe can be found in Old Cars Weekly, as well as in MIR’s Travel Journals. John Quam, Luke Rizzuto, Leo Jansens and Eileen Bjorkman took part in the epic overland journey, driving a 1928 Plymouth roadster and a modern GMC Envoy.To cross borders, the group utilized the services of the MIR Corp., which specializes in customs travel, especially in Russia and China. The company provides travelers with lists of the documents required, assists with transporting vehicles and also arranges translators to accompany travelers from the front seat.Read the full article on the Old Cars Weekly website.